America: My Time

Chapter 818 Plan Success
Chapter 808 The Plan Succeeded
Once the Japanese guys reached a consensus, someone quickly approached Akio Morita, exchanged a few words with him, and then left. Akio Morita couldn't help but sigh, because these guys were once again asking him to come forward and invite John over to discuss cooperation with them.

"Sigh! These old guys are so stupid. Even at this point, they're still clinging to their ridiculous facade. If they really wanted to cooperate with John, they should have shown sincerity and taken the initiative themselves, instead of having me, an outsider, extend the invitation. These guys still can't let go of their pride. They're so foolish, taking their pride too seriously!"

Although he inwardly scoffed at those guys, Akio Morita couldn't show it. He still had to help them make the connection, so he had to walk over to John and invite him to have a discussion about cooperation with those old men. As for negotiation, in Akio Morita's view, it didn't even exist, because they never had the upper hand, nor any advantage whatsoever. They didn't even have the power to object. As long as John didn't make exorbitant demands, these old men would definitely compromise.

Even Akio Morita could see things clearly, yet these old guys in Japan kept having all sorts of ideas. It's a huge joke. Perhaps it's a case of being blinded by one's own interests, or perhaps it's simply that they're too greedy, always wanting to get the biggest benefits without being willing to pay the price.

"Looks like our chat is coming to an end. Akiko, you two talk!" John smiled faintly as he saw Akio Morita walking towards him. These guys from Japan have finally figured things out!
When Akio Morita saw John get up and walk towards him, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. John's actions also relieved the Japanese guys. In their eyes, John was giving them a lot of face. What they didn't know was that all of this was just part of John's plan. If he didn't give these guys enough face, how would these bastards fall into his trap? How could he go further after the neon bubble burst and get more of what he wanted?

"John, let's go over there, everyone's here!" Akio Morita said, pulling John towards the group. At that moment, many people at the party breathed a sigh of relief. Before the big boss started, they had all been under considerable pressure, and now they could finally relax.

Of course, those who are interested can also take action. After all, there are quite a few interested people at tonight's party. They all have tasks to complete. Before everything started, they dared not be careless in the slightest, for fear of making a mistake and ruining the boss's plan. Now they have finally gotten their chance.

“Mr. John, thank you for your help, but as the world’s second-largest economy, Japan has a huge demand for energy. We need more energy, so we would like to ask you to help us negotiate with the Middle East to see if we can sign a one-year contract. This energy crisis came too fast and caught us off guard. A month has passed and we still can’t see any solution. We can only ask you for your help!”

When John sat down, the official Japanese representative had to speak on behalf of the Japanese conglomerates, since only they could represent Japan at this time. If the conglomerates came forward, they would only represent their own conglomerate, not the whole of Japan, which would make many people uneasy and unacceptable.

"That's not a big problem, but you all should understand how problematic your demands are at this time. Energy like oil comes under long-term contracts, and a year is too short. Moreover, the amount needed by Japan is not small, which makes things even more complicated. At least for now, it's very difficult. I can tell you clearly that it's almost impossible to get the quota you want in the first six months. After all, there are too many people who want it, and even if we want to increase production, it will take time!"

John wasn't surprised at all by the demands of these Japanese guys. A year was indeed too short a time, and they would definitely demand a large amount of oil at the beginning, which was something John didn't want to see.

“Mr. John, we know how difficult this request is, so only you can help us!” At this moment, the Japanese official adopted a very humble attitude, appearing as sincere as could be.

“I can’t do that either. A year is too short. I know your difficulties, but I also have my own. After all, I’ve already received an extra share from the Middle East. It would be too much to make such a request. I believe you can understand my current situation and the pressure the Middle East is facing!”

“We understand, but we can’t find any other way besides Mr. John. We have contacted the Middle East and other oil-producing countries, but to no avail. The Japanese economy is already being affected by the high oil prices. If this continues, the Japanese economy will be severely damaged. We beg Mr. John to help us out of friendship and help Japan get through this energy crisis. As long as we can sign a contract, price is not an issue!”

"No, this isn't a matter of price, but a matter of production. Increasing production takes time. Although I really want to agree to your request, I'm truly powerless to do so. Based on my understanding of the situation over there, there are many people who need energy, and the competition is extremely fierce. I'm sure you all know that the oil fields in the North Sea are already going crazy!"

At this point, John steered the conversation towards the North Sea oil fields. The British were now operating at full capacity, making money hand over fist. Of course, John was also frantically extracting resources from the North Sea oil fields, pushing them to their limits. This wasn't just happening in the North Sea; all the oil fields controlled by Western Energy were being exploited to the maximum extent possible. The Japanese guys naturally knew this, and they understood the immense favor John had to do to secure such a contract for them. But they all understood that they had no choice but to do this; they couldn't find anyone else who could do it.

“Mr. John, we know how crazy the oil market is right now, but we really have no other choice!”

"Alright, I can ask around for you, but I can't give you a definite guarantee. And I believe that even if they agree, they won't be able to give you much of the crude oil from the one-year contract in the first half of the year. After all, increasing production takes time. At most, it can only be a quarter, or even a fifth. If you think you can agree, then I can inquire. Otherwise, you'll have to find another way. That's the situation over there."

John didn't even discuss prices; he only talked to these guys about oil production. The more he did this, the more these guys believed that what John said was true, that he wasn't deliberately making things difficult for them, and that he was 'genuinely' thinking of them.

"We agree, Mr. John, you decide the price!" At this point, the Japanese guys made a decisive decision and handed the price over to John, a decision that put considerable pressure on them.

Upon hearing this, John smiled calmly and said, "Price is not an issue. If it were just a transaction like before, $40 wouldn't be a problem. However, since you all want to sign a one-year contract, that might be a bit high. How about $39? That's the highest price I can negotiate for you all, and the limit I can achieve!"

A one-dollar difference may seem small, but the sheer amount makes it a considerable sum, especially at this particular time. Everyone was shocked by the price John offered, seeing him as a true friend of Japan, someone who genuinely cared for them.

"We are touched by Mr. John's kindness, and we have no objections!"

"If you all have no problem with the price, I will negotiate with them. However, there is one thing I need to clarify: this cannot be a direct contract with them. After all, this is a special period, and oil does not come from just one country. You will need to sign a contract with one of their companies, not with the government!"

"Understood, we all understand. If there are any intermediary fees, we can cover them!" The Japanese guys quickly realized that it was probably some powerful figures from the Middle Eastern tycoons who were manipulating things and making money, so they all showed understanding, after all, such things were perfectly normal.

"It's good that you all understand. Let's not talk about the brokerage fee; given our relationship, there's no need for it. Actually, I think you should reconsider. There's no need to rush. Perhaps waiting a while will bring results. A year is too long. If things change in the meantime, you'll have to pay a considerable price. The best-case scenario is that you use your war reserves, wait a bit longer, and see what happens."

The more John kindly reminded these guys, the more moved they became, and the more eager they were to fall into the trap, because John had previously advised them that oil prices weren't this high back then.

“Even if there are changes or losses in a year, we can bear it. But if there isn’t enough oil and Japan faces an energy crisis, the consequences will be much more serious. Using strategic reserves is not feasible, nor is it a decision we can make. That requires everyone to discuss it together, but that would take too long. If something unexpected happens in the meantime, the consequences would be unimaginable. So we still choose to accept your help, even if things change in the future, we can accept it.” At this moment, the Japanese officials did not heed John’s 'advice' at all and insisted on cooperating with him.

(End of this chapter)